Backpack Blessings + 1 Free Backpack Tag Template

As a new school year nears, your church and children’s ministry have valuable opportunities to connect with kids and families. One easy yet effective way to reach out to students in the congregation and community is with backpack blessing tags. Handing out a free, colorful backpack tag for back to school is a powerful reminder of God’s love. Plus, congregants and teachers can pray a blessing over each child who heads back to class. 

If your kidmin program hasn’t yet started a Backpack Blessing tradition, then keep reading to learn more. And if you’re already familiar with the outreach idea, discover creative options — plus handy resources to use. 

Hold a Backpack Blessing Event 

Children’s ministry leaders and pastors recognize the importance of the back-to-school season. After a summer of vacations and relaxed schedules, autumn brings a return to more structured programming. Back to school also kicks off a new Sunday school year. So, it’s an ideal window for sharing Jesus’ good news — and people’s prayers and support — with young learners. 

A Backpack Blessing ceremony is a meaningful way to launch a new education year. A few weeks prior, advertise the event and ask children to bring their backpacks to church and Sunday school. On the big day, invite kids to stand up or come forward for prayer. This can be part of a larger service or celebration, or it can be a separate event.  

During the backpack blessing prayer, have a pastor, Sunday school superintendent or kidmin teacher ask God to watch over students as they return to school. Include Scripture verses and promises of protection from the Bible. Also let children know their church family will be praying for them throughout the school year. 

As a tangible reminder of God’s protection and people’s prayers, give kids a Backpack Blessing tag. Acknowledging and blessing students this way makes a lasting impact.

The Role of Backpack Blessing Tags 

Backpack Blessing tags are small, durable cards that children can attach to a backpack, bookbag or purse. They feature encouraging Bible verses, prayers or kid-friendly inspirational messages. Each day when students can see their colorful backpack tags, they’ll remember their Christian faith and their church’s support. When they’re struggling, kids will have quick access to biblical words of comfort and joy. 

By adding the church’s information on each tag, you build connection and a sense of belonging. And when other students see someone’s backpack tag, they might ask what it’s about. So these tags become a non-threatening outreach tool, encouraging children to share the Gospel with friends. 

Illustrated backpack tags also can serve as ID tags, with space for kids’ names and personal information, in case they lose their backpack.  

How to Create Backpack Blessing Tags 

To design attractive Backpack Blessing tags that kids will love, consider these tips: 

• Bible Verses: Choose Scripture verses that are uplifting and relevant to students. Popular examples include Joshua 1:9; Philippians 4:13; and Romans 8:28. 
• Prayers and Blessings: Add a short, meaningful prayer or blessing that children can easily understand and appreciate. 
• Inspirational Messages: Provide daily encouragement through a simple, positive affirmation. “You are loved” or “God is with you” is something kids need to hear every day. 
• Colorful Designs: Bright, colorful illustrations add appeal for kids. If you print a tag in black and white, then children can use crayons to add their own artistic touch. 

Backpack tags must be durable and long-lasting, so use high-quality materials. Laminated cardstock makes the tags sturdy and water-resistant. Add a clip or metal key ring so kids can easily attach the tag to a backpack.  

Distribute Backpack Blessing Tags 

In addition to planning a Backpack Blessing Sunday before school begins, you can hand out individual cards at children’s ministry events. If your church has a Rally Day, carnival or volunteer fair in the fall, set up a kidmin booth with giveaways including backpack tags.  

Other ideas: Print the tags on sticker paper so students can attach them to water bottles or notebooks. Tell kids they can use a backpack card as a luggage tag, or their parents can place one on a briefcase. Attach ribbons to the tags so people of all ages can use them as bookmarks. 

Older kids, youth, and young people can place a blessing tag on a homework folder or school bag. If your youth pastor has connections to a local school, he or she can hand out tags and related products to students. Volunteers at your church might want to create greeting cards or postcards from the backpack tag designs. 

Make Backpack Blessing a Cherished Fall Tradition 

Backpack Blessing tags and events add excitement as children embark on a new school year. It’s easy to make this an anticipated tradition in your congregation and community.  

Follow these suggestions to extend the impact of this special blessing ministry: 

• Put the annual Backpack Blessing event on the church calendar early. Then advertise it through a variety of church and community publications: worship bulletins, newsletters, social media, and announcements during services. Invite students and siblings to attend even if they don’t belong to your congregation. 
• Encourage church members to get involved. Host a tag-making workshop so volunteers can cut out and laminate the tags, punch holes in them, and attach a clip, ring, or ribbon. This lightens the workload, unites people in a fun project, and adds a personal touch to the small gift. 
• Add the blessing tags into a Sunday school lesson. For example, you can teach about the privilege of praying for one another. Then let students make a customized bookbag tag. 
• Extend the blessings. Partner with local schools or community organizations to distribute Backpack Blessing Tags to students. A blessing event also can coincide with a school supplies drive at your church. These discipleship ministries spread God’s love to unchurched people.  
• Encourage families and students to share their experiences. What impact are the Backpack Blessing tags having in their lives and schools? Collect testimonies and feedback to share with the congregation. These stories will inspire and motivate others to participate. 
• Remember to follow up. Keep praying for students throughout the school year. Check in with families to see how kids are doing and offer additional support. 

Backpack Blessing tags are such a powerhouse of encouragement as children return to school. It’s amazing how big of an effect such a small item can have on hearts and lives! 

By adding these cards to your church’s back-to-school activities, you share scriptural truths and promises. And you assure children that their church and faith leaders care and support them.  

As you prepare for another school year, use backpack tags to bless children and remind them that God is with them every step of the way! 

Enjoy This FREE Backpack Blessing Tag Template 

As a special gift, we’re offering a free Backpack Blessing tag titled “God is with you.” Inspired by Zephaniah 3:17, this card provides a reassuring promise of God’s presence and protection. On the back of each card is this heartfelt prayer for students: 

“Dear Lord, please bless this backpack and the wonderful child who carries it. May they always feel your love and protection in everything they do. Amen.” 

This template fits perfectly on an 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of paper printed in landscape format, featuring a beautiful design on both the front and back. Each sheet includes 10 cards that can be cut into 3.5 x 2-inch tags, fitting perfectly into a clear luggage tag. 

Download Backpack Blessing Tags PDF

Looking for more Backpack Blessing tag designs for students? ChurchArt.com offers a variety of premade back-to-school tags with vibrant drawings and heartfelt messages. 

So why wait? Unleash the full potential of your church’s Backpack Blessing Event — sign up for your 14-day FREE trial today!